Giants reliever Tony Watson won’t blame fatigue for decline

MILWAUKEE — The Giants’ bullpen has had a rough go lately, and nobody’s about-face has been more jarring than left-hander Tony Watson’s.

As Watson pitched to a 1.50 ERA over his first 42 games, the Giants were talking about him as a potential All-Star and everyone viewed his spring training signing as a major coup.

In 22 games since July 9, he has an ERA of 6.23, putting his season’s ERA at 2.88. He also has endured a huge leap in opponents’ batting average (.247 prior, .315 since) and OPS (.499 prior, .929 since).

The reasons are a mystery.

The 33-year-old could blame fatigue, especially after pitching through Game 7 of the World Series last year with the Dodgers, making 11 postseason appearances. He said his arm feels great, although manager Bruce Bochy has held him back a few times this season fearing overwork.

“I don’t know if it’s anything pitch-sequence-wise,” Watson said. “Maybe the league is adjusting a little bit. I still have a lot of confidence going out there. The numbers are the numbers. We’ll look at the end of the year and see where they are.”

Watson has had a trying trip.

Giants reliever Tony Watson has given up the decisive runs in two of the team’s first four games on the current trip.

Giants reliever Tony Watson has given up the decisive runs in two of the team’s first four games on the current trip.

Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

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Giants reliever Tony Watson has given up the decisive runs in two of the team’s first four games on the current trip.

Giants reliever Tony Watson has given up the decisive runs in two of the team’s first four games on the current trip.

Photo: Patrick Smith / Getty Images

Giants reliever Tony Watson won’t blame fatigue for decline

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After the Giants fought back from 7-2 down to take an 8-7 lead in the eighth inning in Denver on Monday, Watson allowed two runs in the bottom half and the Giants lost 9-8.

In Friday’s opener against the Brewers, he relieved Hunter Strickland with two aboard and one out, struck out Christian Yelich with a changeup, then served up Jesus Aguilar’s decisive two-run double on a changeup below the knees — but maybe not low enough.

Watson and Strickland are among several struggling relievers, but Bochy is going to use them because he can’t fry the few who are pitching well.

Watson is nearing the end of a complex contract, with easily achievable escalators, that amounts to a three-year, $21 million deal as long as he stays healthy and picks up his 2020 player option.

Catching plans:Aramis Garcia made his third start Saturday, the first with a pitcher other than Andrew Suarez. Nick Hundley was off on his 35th birthday because Bochy plans to start him in Sunday’s day game.

“I have no problem pairing him with anybody,” Bochy said of the rookie catcher. “Nick’s going to get a lot of time. He’s done a great job. With the job Garcia has done, he’s showing he can handle anybody. He really has made a ton of progress this year.”